Chapter 38
Itching for a Beating
The Su family was very lively today.
The eldest son, Su Jingheng, and his wife, Wu Jiaojiao, went to their parents’ house to celebrate their father-in-law’s birthday. In the end, something happened and they were unhappy. In a fit of anger, they returned. Su Jingrui, who worked overtime until noon did not have to work in the afternoon, so he rushed home to eat.
The meaning behind this meal was out of the ordinary for the Su family. First, it was to celebrate Su Dajiang safely going through the critical period and recovering well. Second, it was a family reunion meal. Third, their father’s promotion to a workshop director of Changfeng Machinery had already been announced in the factory. It could be said that the matter was set in stone, and it was only a matter of time before he went back to work.
Wei Guiqin specially prepared a scrumptious meal. She used the pork ribs Su Hanyan bought and stewed them into a radish soup. She then went to the state-run grocery store to buy a smoked ham, a roasted chicken, and stir-fried vegetables.
This meal was even more scrumptious than their New Year’s Eve dinner.
Su Dajiang could not sit for long because of his health, so the table was placed beside his bed, for him to lie back when he was tired.
“Aiyo! This is really rare.” Wei Guiqin was in a good mood today and got her third son to pour some alcohol for her. She wanted to have a few cups, too. “Other than the second child and her family who aren’t here, it’s almost considered a complete reunion! I’m so happy. Come, let’s have a drink together! Each of you shall toast your dad once.”
“Dad shouldn’t drink,” advised Su Hanyan when she saw her father picking up his cup. “His wound hasn’t recovered, and his body is still weak. The doctor told him not to drink.”
“You’re the only one who knows a lot.” No matter how Su Jingrui looked at his sister, he felt that she was not pleasing to the eye. “It’s as if you’re the only one who cares about dad in the whole family.”
“Just a bit is fine, right? What about just a sip?” Su Jingheng knew that if his siblings continued, a fight would break out.
If things really got out of hand, they might be unable to have a good meal.
“That won’t do, either.” Su Hanyan was firm about her stance. “Dad, you’re still taking the medicine. What did the doctor say? The combination of medicine and alcohol can easily be fatal, so you shouldn’t even take a sip!”
“Stop your nonsense!” Su Jingrui slammed the table. “When I caught a cold, I took a lot of medicine and drank a lot, too, but I didn’t die from that.”
She snorted. “That’s why your brain is so dull. You don’t like studying, and you don’t listen to advice. Are you more knowledgeable than a doctor?”
“Are you itching for a beating? Don’t think that I don’t dare to hit you! Don’t think that you have a backing just because dad is back!” he hollered.
“Brother, stop shouting. Look, Tongtong is frightened by you.” Wu Jiaojiao glared at Su Jingrui unhappily.
“Why are you shouting?” Su Dajiang frowned. He picked up his chopsticks and hit his third son’s head twice. “Is this how you usually treat your sister? You’re her brother. Not only do you not protect her, you even shout at her every day! I think you’re the one who’s itching for a beating.”
“I…” Su Jingrui did not want to back down.
“What? What do you want to say?” He glared threateningly at his son.
“Alright, that’s enough. You’re still unwell, so don’t get angry!” Wei Guiqin tried to calm her husband down. “Siblings are like this. They play around, but they’re still dear to one another when it matters. It’s not serious!”
“Not serious?” Su Dajiang snorted coldly. “Let me ask you: Why is Yanyan not staying at home and, instead, insisting on living at the factory? Tell me.”
“Dad, since you brought this up, I’ll tell you about it.” Su Jingrui put down his chopsticks and mentioned his marriage again. “Dad, you know about Qiu’er and me. Everyone’s here today, so I’ll take this chance to discuss this matter.”